SUFFOLK: Nearly 80 schools in the county have signed up to a new initiative to encourage children to enjoy maths.

The Maths Challenge, which is aimed at youngsters aged seven to 11, has been devised with Suffolk County Council’s Learning and Improvement Service and developed by two inspirational primary maths teachers, Lena Shete from St Helen’s Primary School in Ipswich, and Katharine Minns from St Botolph’s Primary School in Botesdale, near Diss.

Based on the successful Reading Together project, this is a six-week programme to help develop maths skills in Suffolk schools through the use of a workbook, in conjunction with the Ipswich Star.

After the first two launches at IP-City Centre on Tuesday, and Lavenham Community Centre on Wednesday, 78 Suffolk schools confirmed that they will take part. Of those 78, 13 schools have already given their pupil numbers which amounts to 1,170 children. Four Ipswich schools have signed up so far, involving 467 children.

Rosie Castle, Maths Challenge project co-ordinator at Archant, publisher of the Star, said: “We are genuinely delighted with the interest so far following the first two launches.”

The idea of the project is to help develop maths skills in schools, and to encourage parents and carers to give greater support to their child’s maths study at home.

There are two further launch events at the Victoria Hotel in Lowestoft tomorrow, and Occold Village Hall on Wednesday, where representatives from another 66 schools are expected to attend.

The workbook has been produced through the partnership of Archant, SCC’s education department, Suffolk Education Business Partnership Ltd, and Scottish Power Renewables and Vattenfall.

For further information call Rosie Castle, project co-ordinator on 01473 324951 or e-mail rosie.castle@archant.co.uk

n Tell why your school is taking part in the Maths Challenge. Write to Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starnews@archant.co.uk.